The popular Japanese layout was drying by the end of the 90 minute session, which commenced at 10am local, but lap times were about ten seconds off the pace of the last dry sessions at Suzuka back in 2006.

The popular Japanese layout was drying by the end of the 90 minute session, which commenced at 10am local, but lap times were about ten seconds off the pace of the last dry sessions at Suzuka back in 2006.

Toyota reserve driver Kamui Kobayashi is filling in for the ill Timo Glock on Friday, with team president John Howett revealing that the German's temperature is currently over 39.

"Very good," said the Briton when asked by British BBC radio how he thought Japanese Kobayashi was doing. The 23-year-old ended the session 19th fastest, three seconds off the pace.

"He didn't know he was going to drive until 30 or 40 minutes before the session, and he's good," Howett added, insisting that "it's too early to say" if Kobayashi might be considered for a race drive in 2010.

Toyota is not committing to re-signing Glock or Jarno Trulli for next season, and Howett was spotted meeting with Robert Kubica's manager Daniele Morelli in the Suzuka paddock on Friday morning.